Sponsor
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Representative · D-DC
Representative · D-DC
The bill prioritizes preserving public access and sightlines at Lafayette Square by banning new permanent fencing funded locally or privately, at the cost of limiting one avenue for permanent security enhancements and privately funded improvements.
Residents and visitors to Lafayette Square (and the general public): local governments and private donors are barred from erecting new permanent fencing, preserving public access, sightlines, and the open character of the park.
Local governments: may repair or replace existing fencing, allowing maintenance to address wear and safety issues without enabling new permanent barriers.
Federal security personnel and other authorities responsible for White House perimeter security: the bill restricts the option to install new permanent barriers, which could reduce long-term security and crowd-control options during major incidents.
Private donors and potentially local stewards: prohibition on using private funds for new permanent fencing prevents privately funded security improvements that some stakeholders might prefer, shifting responsibility and costs.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Bars use of federal, state, territorial, private, or foreign funds to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Square; allows repair/replacement of existing fences.
Official title: To prohibit the use of Federal, State, foreign, or private funds to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Square.
Introduced July 6, 2026 by Eleanor Holmes Norton · Last progress July 6, 2026
Prohibits federal, state (including DC and territories), foreign, or private funds from being used to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. Allows repair or replacement of any fencing that already existed on the date the law takes effect.